Born in Port Jervis, N.Y., he was the son of the late James E. and Eva Martin Walker. James was the loving husband of Mary Kahrs Walker and they observed their 54th wedding anniversary in July.

James and Mary were the owners and operators of Walco Pressure Washing Service, Lancaster. Previously, James worked as a truck driver for Agway Corp. He was a member of the Port Jervis Masonic Lodge. James enjoyed attending dirt track auto racing in central Pennsylvania. For many years he and his wife opened their home to host international students.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Mary, are two sons: James M. Walker Jr. of Milford; Jeffrey A., husband of Lisa Walker, of Bainbridge; and a grandson: Brett Walker of Elizabethtown. Through their hosting in the international program, Alex Cho from Seoul, South Korea, became like a third son to the family.